The ‘galachos’ and ‘sotos’ on either side of the line of the River Ebro form a unique landscape as it runs through the Zaragoza area. They make up a green strip of 72 km, 36 km on each side, and are true oases in a semi-desert environment, surrounded by crops, plaster escarpments and urban settlements.

The ‘galachos’ are former meanders which the river has since left, leaving oxbow lakes, islands and riverside vegetation.

Some of the most notable galachos located in the Zaragoza area include the galachos of La Alfranca, La Cartuja, Burgo de Ebro and Juslibol.

In the municipality of Zaragoza alone there are 22 sotos, including well-known ones like Cantalobos or Partinchas. They’re particularly important for the environment as they provide a brake for the river when water levels rise, contributing more oxygen and lowering the temperature in these areas.

Some sotos are truly impenetrable jungles, such as Benavén, Partinchas, Ferreruela, Juslibol or Vado, whilst others are less wild, such as Villarroya or La Cartuja.

Taking a walk through these green areas at different times of year is the best way to discover the different ecosystems that live in the sotos and the galachos and to appreciate their importance for the city.